Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the part of the eye made up of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can cause symptoms such as red eyes, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
This condition can be triggered by autoimmune or infectious diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, syphilis, leprosy, and onchocerciasis.
Treatment for uveitis is managed by an ophthalmologist and depends on the underlying cause. It may involve corticosteroid eye drops, antiviral or antibiotic medications, or, in more severe cases, surgery.
Uveitis symptoms
The main symptoms of uveitis include:
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Red eyes;
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Increased sensitivity to light;
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Blurred or cloudy vision;
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Eye floaters.
Uveitis can also cause constricted pupils, visual disturbances, or decreased vision.
It’s important to see an ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms of uveitis so that treatment can be started early in order to prevent complications such as vision loss.
How long do symptoms last?
The duration of uveitis varies depending on the type. In acute uveitis, symptoms usually last up to 6 weeks.
In chronic uveitis, symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks and may last for several months.
Confirming a diagnosis
Uveitis is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist based on symptoms, medical history, and eye exams
The main tests used to diagnose uveitis include visual acuity testing, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and a dilated eye exam.
Other tests may include retinal mapping, optical coherence tomography (OCT), angiography, and analysis of the vitreous or aqueous humor.
Main types
The main types of uveitis are:
The ophthalmologist determines the specific type of uveitis through diagnostic testing.
Possible causes
The main causes of uveitis include:
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Autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis;
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Metastases or tumors in the eye;
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Foreign objects in the eye;
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Corneal lacerations;
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Eye perforations;
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Burns caused by heat or chemicals.
Uveitis can also result from infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, leprosy, or onchocerciasis.
Treatment options
Treatment for uveitis should always be guided by an ophthalmologist. The goal is to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and treat the underlying cause.
The main treatment options for uveitis include:
1. Medication
Medications may be prescribed to control inflammation and/or infections in the eye and to relieve symptoms.
Common medications used for uveitis include:
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Corticosteroid or pupil-dilating eye drops;
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Antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), for bacterial infections;
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Antivirals, for cases caused by herpes infection.
When uveitis is linked to autoimmune conditions, treatment may also involve medications prescribed by a rheumatologist, such as immunosuppressants or biologic therapy.
2. Surgery
Surgery may be recommended in more severe cases. This procedure, called vitrectomy, involves removing part of the vitreous humor from the eye.
The doctor may also insert small implants inside the eye that gradually release corticosteroid medication over several months, especially in cases of posterior uveitis.
Can uveitis be cured?
Uveitis can usually be managed effectively, particularly when it’s diagnosed and treated early, although certain types may recur. In some situations, hospital care may be required to give medication intravenously (through an IV).
After treatment, regular eye exams every 6 to 12 months are advised to monitor eye health and reduce the risk of recurrence.